Turtle, Spotted Pond

Geoclemys hamiltonii

Rare large freshwater turtle with black ground color and white or light yellow spots on shell, neck and legs. Mature adults grow up to 14 inches in length, their toes are fully webbed and the tail is short.

Diet

Wild Diet: Snails, worms, slugs, tadpoles, fish, salamanders, spiders

Zoo Diet: Turtle pellets, chopped fish, chopped mice

They bask in sunshine during the day and sleep under water at night. These turtles prefer shallow, clear waters with considerable aquatic vegetation. They are mostly carnivorous--but will eat fruit and vegetables occasionally.

Courtship usually takes place during February and March. Nesting in April and May.

Gestation: Incubation: 60-90 days

Litter: Clutch size: 10-12

Conservation Status: Vulnerable

These female turtles (along with many other species) can store sperm up to five years and then use them to produce healthy eggs

They are endanged and rare because of the demand in the Asian food market

Also known as the Black pond turtle and Hamilton's spotted pond turtle